THE ANSO REPORT -Not for Copy Or Sale

The Afghanistan NGO Safety Office Issue: 72 16-30 April 2011

ANSO and our donors accept no liability for the results of any activity conducted or omitted on the basis of this report. THE ANSO REPORT -Not for copy or sale-

Inside this Issue COUNTRY SUMMARY Central Region 2 The IEA announced the ini- salary lines, banks, demon- A second, equally lethal 5 Northern Region tiation of their ‘Spring Offen- stration, arbakai shura and effective trend that has Western Region 10 sive’ on April 29th, an event meetings and shops but we developed in line with the that occurs an a yearly basis will need to monitor the previous, is the surgical Eastern Region 14 and is generally intended as a target pattern closely to targeting of key leadership Southern Region 20 strategic statement regarding fully understand this scope (military, political, and ci- their goals, methodology, as of this term. When taken in vilian) with suicide attacks. 27 ANSO Info Page well as guidance to their lead- conjunction with the in- Of note, this trend, when ership though is also an ele- struction to deliver coupled with the above, ment of their wider infor- “meticulous military plans” proves to be particular dif- YOU NEED TO KNOW mation operations plan. The however we would stop ficult to mitigate for the operation, known as ‘Badar’, short of seeing it as carte target groups, as seen in • IEA announces spring offen- while short on tactical details, blanche to attack any place the penetration of the sive, Operation Badar contains a few comments of that targets recreate or gath- MoD this period in Kabul. • ‘Sleeper’ agents within the contemporary interest includ- er. (the full English text of The Eastern Region con- ANSF ing: the statement is provided tinues to provide a high 1. An explicit statement re- on p. 25 & 26 of this re- volume of NGO incidents, • Increasingly sophisticated port) targeting of key Afghan civ- garding the targeting of for- with 3 recorded this period mil leadership eign and local supporters of AOG use of ‘sleeper’ agents (1 Nangarhar, 2 Kunar), the IMF occupation, most embedded within the ANSF though Ghor also reported • IEA ‘protection’ of NGO clinic likely directed at local logis- is a tactic quickly becoming 3 incidents with a final one tics facilitators as well as for- a definitive trend as seen from the North. Of par- eign Private Development during the end of 2010 and ticular interest in an inci- Companies (PDC) throughout 2011. While dent reported from Kunar ANSO is supported by 2. A direct mention of the this tactic has proven to be in which the IEA broke off High Peace Council as legiti- particularly lethal, typically an engagement with securi- mate targets. involving a single operative ty forces due to the poten- armed with a suicide device, tial of damage it would 3. An explicit instruction re- it also serves a greater stra- have caused an NGO clinic garding the avoidance of ci- tegic goal. (which was occupied by vilian casualties and a warn- security forces as a result of ing to civilians to avoid target It may prove to be a fault line for the impending tran- the attack). This is signifi- sites. Of particular concern cant as it marks one of the to is the rather vague descrip- sition plans, sowing the seeds of distrust between first confirmed reports of tions of “gatherings” which such an action taken on the could be read to include any the two key agents of this plan, the IMF and the part of an AOG, further place where targets congre- evidence that groups within gate either professionally or ANSF, as the on-going development of the ANSF the East are taking steps to personally. Recent attacks minimise the conflicts im- that may fall within this defi- remains a critical factor in the implementation of this pact on the NGO in this nition may have included dog region. -fights, buzkashi matches, plan. THE ANSO REPORT Page 2

C ENTRAL REGION

NGO Incidents KABUL KABUL Year to Date 3 50 This Report Period 0 The were a total of 35 incidents 40 reported this period, with only 3 generally involving ‘sleeper’ agents 30 AOG initiated, 5 IMF operations, within the security forces who use 20 their access to maximise casual- 21 ANSF actions, and 6 criminal 10 ties, generally through suicide at- events. While most of the inci- 0 dents fall within the standard cate- tacks. gories of incidents reported in this The second incident, which on its province, there were a few excep- surface would appear similar to KABUL AOG KABUL Crime tions. the first, also involved an ANSF The first incident, a brazen pene- member, this time Air Force, who AOG efforts, which could have significant tration of the MoD by an AOG ultimately killed 9 US mentors (8 implications for the transition process, a key bearing the full rank and insignia IMF, 1 contractor) and wounded element of the broader IMF exit strategy. of an ANA Colonel (who was one national. While the IEA claimed responsibility for this at- Criminality, an issue that in many cases takes a apparently an actual service mem- back seat in light of the wider conflict, resulted ber, though of lower rank) result- tack, this appears unlikely, and the details of this event and his moti- in at least 4 deaths and 1 injury this period. All ed in the deaths of 1 and the of these were caused by small arms fire result- wounding of 4 others by SAF, vations remain more murky. Some reports suggest this was the ing from inter-personal disputes. Lastly, there with the apparent target of this was one abduction of a business man from attack being a high ranking official result of private difficulties which, when coupled with an inter- District 8 in Kabul City, a persistent issue from within the MoD. While the at- within the capital, a crime that falls under the tacker was armed with a suicide personal dispute, triggered the individual to attack. purview of various abduction syndicates oper- device, he failed to detonate ating kidnap for ransom rings. Of note, this (reasons unknown) and was in- These two events speak to a high- latest incident was perpetrated by a group stead ultimately killed by weapons er level issue regarding the deteri- wearing ANSF uniforms, an unfortunately fire. This incident marks the lat- oration of trust between the common enough element in such incidents. est in a string of such occurrences, ANSF and IMF, the goal of such

NGO Incidents KAPISA KAPISA Year to Date 1 50

This Report Period 0 40 Incident volumes were low in Ka- pisa this period, with only Tagab, the continuation of the AOG 30 Alasay and Nijrab represented. campaign in that district thought 20 The focus was Tagab, with 3 di- to have been announced with the 10 SVBIED attack in late March. rect attacks on ANSF in the mid- 0 dle of the period, one of which ANP did, however, manage to led to the death of an AOG fight- defuse a single IED in the Gurra er in the exchange of fire. Also in area of the district. KAPISA AOG KAPISA Crime Tagab, a large IED struck an IMF In Alasay, two incidents on consecutive days in the Ashpi valley vehicle, killing one soldier and copter assault killed 7 AOG fighters and in- both shone insights onto the on- injuring 9 more. As such, although jured 4 others. Finally, in Nijrab, ANP discov- going operations there. First on last period was quiet in the dis- ered a large cache of mortar shells in Shada trict, partly because of on-going the 23rd, an IMF helicopter Gul village. ANA clearing operations, this crashed while on operations there, period has seen what may well be and on the following day, a heli- THE ANSO REPORT Page 3

NGO Incidents LOGAR Year to Date 1 LOGAR This Report Period 0 50 A total of 15 security incidents 40 this report are unknown. It is were recorded in Logar this re- 30 porting period, displaying a drop worth noting that reported abduc- 20 when compared to the 19 report- tion cases have been rare in Baraki ed in early April. Nonetheless, Barak and this abduction marks 10 AOG activity in the province re- the first incident to occur this year 0 mained relatively constant with 8 and only the fourth ANSO rec- AOG initiated incidents. The geo- orded abduction since 2009. graphical distribution of security In the past two weeks Logar host- LOGAR AOG LOGAR Crime events followed familiar patterns ed three IED incidents, respec- checkpoint in the Aynak Copper Mine area of with Baraki Barak, Charkh and tively in Puli Alam, Baraki Barak Muhammad Agha District. Puli Alam districts recording the and Khushi, of which one device bulk of incidents. In Baraki Barak, detonated. In Puli Alam, Padkhab ANSF/IMF activities were focused on Baraki apart from an AOG attack on an area, an IED struck an ANA vehi- Barak and Charkh districts. Although several ANP checkpoint in Shah Moham- cle travelling on the main district arrests have been reported in Baraki Barak dur- mad Village, which resulted in one road but did not cause casualties. ing the current military operations, anecdotal ANP wounded, another notewor- In addition, AOG launched two reporting suggests the vast majority of fighters thy incident took place in Pulijugi IDF attacks in Charkh and Mu- had already left the area and moved to the Area. On 24th April, an AOG hammad Agha districts. Both inci- neighbouring Wardak Province. In keeping stopped two IMF contracted fuel dents occurred on the 19th, with with past practices, one should expect AOG to tankers. One fuel tanker was set one rocket that impacted in the attempt to disturb ANSF/IMF freedom of ablaze and the other carjacked and DAC area of Charkh, injuring two movement through increasing IED emplace- both drivers taken hostage. Their civilians, and the second projectile ment along primary supply axes. whereabouts at the time of writing landing in the vicinity of an ANP

NGO Incidents officer from outside the province attended the PANJSHIR Year to Date 0 Panjshir with the apparent intent of settling a This Report Period 0 The persistent peace of the Pan- grudge, which was ultimately accomplished in jshir Valley was disrupted this IMF vehicle. It would appear that a hail of gunfire, killing the intended target period as a result of the unparal- this device was meant to deliver a who was also an ANP officer. While the as- leled occurrence of two separate message, rather than cause actual sailant made good his escape (despite suffering security incidents this period. harm, a message that involved a vehicle accident during the attempt) 3 others These mark the first incidents to local dissatisfaction over the im- were arrested as suspected accomplices and occur since an IED incident dur- plementation of a project by the there is an ongoing investigation. ing the first week of January with- PRT. While two suspects had These types of incidents, particularly ones in- in Bazarak District, targeting the been detained by the NDS, they volving inter-personal disputes, are a regular Provincial Governor’s Office. were released shortly thereafter feature of the security landscape, though they These latest incidents, like those and there has been no further fol- usually pass by unnoticed, shielded by the in the past, are exclusively the low-up. greater noise of the general conflict. In a quiet result of internal disputes or ten- The second incident, this time on province such as this one, however, they result sions, though some reports sug- the 19th in Khenj, was more sig- in greater notice, though ultimately present gest AOG involvement, which nificant in that an ANP was killed little impact to the security paradigm for NGO appears to be a case of hearing in what appeared to be an execu- operations as they are focused and limited in hoof beats and looking for zebras. tion-style killing. Local reporting their impact. As such, Panjshir remains per- The first incident occurred on the indicates that this incident was a haps the most permissive province for NGOs 16th of April in Rukha and in- result of ANP vs. ANP action within the county. volved a low yield and unsophisti- (rather than AOG) stemming cated IED detonating against an from a personal dispute. An ANP THE ANSO REPORT Page 4

NGO Incidents WARDAK Year to Date 1 WARDAK 100 This Report Period 0 In Wardak the overall incident 80 volumes has slightly increased in HIG positions in Sadonak Area, 60 this time causing no casualties. comparison to the previous re- 40 porting cycle, with 29 security During this reporting period at 20 incidents against the previous 25. least 10 AOG close range attacks AOG activity this period was fo- have been recorded across the 0 cused on Saydabad, Nirkh, Chaki province, respectively in Saydabad

Wardak and Jaghatu districts. A (4), Nirkh (3), Chaki Wardak (2) WARDAK AOG WARDAK Crime noteworthy development was re- and Jaghatu (1). AOG persist in their efforts to disturb vehicular ported from Nirkh District where vices that detonated. A fatal IED incident took movement along the Kabul- local elders’ attempts to ease the place in Aka Khel Village of Saydabad, where Ghazni Highway. In the last fort- dissension between HIG and the an explosive device detonated against a PSC IEA failed, at least temporarily. night, apart from an ANP check vehicle killing one civilian and wounding an- post that came under attack in the On 17th April a prolonged armed other two. In addition, anecdotal reporting Salar area, two convoys were as- clash occurred between these two indicates that the security environment in saulted in Haftasyab and again in groups in the Samardin area and Saydabad has been increasingly affected by claimed the lives of five IEA and Salar (all aforementioned incidents AOG elements dislocating in face of military occurred in Saydabad). The later three HIG fighters. In addition, operations in the neighbouring district of attack injured two ANA soldiers. four local villagers were wounded Baraki Barak in Logar. At the same time, AOG In addition to these attacks, an during the fire fight which lasted in Wardak faced continued pressure from the around 12 hours. Hostility be- IED detonated along the main ANSF/IMF with 11 evidenced operations that road in Haftasyab, targeting a PSC tween IEA and HIG is recurring were reported in the late April throughout the convoy and injuring a driver. It is in Nirkh and had already led to province. These operations were focused on worth noting that an additional 4 numerous open confrontations. Saydabad, Jalrez, Maydan and Nirkh districts Recently for instance, on 18th IED incidents have been reported and resulted in two AOG killed, one injured across the province with two de- February an IEA element attacked and another 19 detained.

NGO Incidents PARWAN Year to Date 1 PARWAN This Report Period 0 50 This reporting period events in 40 level in Parwan remains low, and Parwan were shaped by a violent 30 protest that occurred on 18th including this demonstration a 20 April in Chaharikar District. A total of 8 security incidents were large number of locals staged a reported in the last two weeks. 10 demonstration protesting against Noteworthy, this period saw an 0 an IMF night raid which resulted absence of IED related incidents, in the detention of three mullahs however the province experienced accused of having ties to local two AOG close range attacks. PARWAN AOG PARWAN Crime AOGs. The protestors blocked The first incident took place on the main Kabul-Mazar-e-Sharif 22nd April in Ghorband District April two rockets detonated in the vicinity of Road and pelted security forces (Saydan Valley) when AOG am- an ANP check post in the Joy Kajak area of with stones. In order to gain back bushed an ANP convoy, wound- Chaharikar District. And for the second con- control of the situation additional ing two ANP officials. The fol- secutive reporting period, an AOG indirect ANSF units, including ANCOP lowing day, in the Dozd Dara area attack was reported from Kohi Safi, with two and IMF elements, were deployed of Shinwari District, an ANP rockets impacted close to the DAC on the to the area. As a result of clashes check post was attacked by AOG 23rd. Finally, an SAF attack on fuel tankers between the protestors and securi- with SAF. The attack also resulted was reported from Salang on the Kabul-Mazar ty forces, one civilian was report- in casualties, as 1 ANP was in- Road. While attacks in Salang remain a rare ed to have been killed while an- jured. occurrence, anecdotal reporting suggests that other 19 civilians, 5 ANP and 1 The pattern of AOG IDF activity this particular incident is most likely related to IMF soldier were injured. has continued as well across the some interpersonal grievance rather than an Generally speaking, the incident province. In the evening of 19th indicator of an established criminal group. THE ANSO REPORT Page 5

N ORTHERN REGION

NGO Incidents BALKH Year to Date 4 BALKH 50 This Report Period 0 The incident level in Balkh Prov- 40 ince has remained consistent with ously observed, Chimtal District 30 the previous reporting cycle. Alt- continues to be affected by signifi- 20 cant presence of AOG elements hough no incidents were reported 10 along the main road, AOG activi- who operate openly during the 0 ties continued to increase in the day. areas west of the Mazar-e-Sharif In this reporting period the neigh- City. In the AOG stronghold of bouring district of Chahar Bolak BALKH AOG BALKH Crime Chimtal, an ANP check point also saw several notable incidents came under SAF attack in the Gaz with AOG focussing on attacking Paikan Dara Village. The most significant Pipeline Area. A brief fire fight pro-government militia check ANSF/IMF operation recorded in this period ensued before the group with- posts. On 22nd April AOG at- occurred further south in Kishindih District drew. Prior to this, on the 17th in tacked such a post located in Ar- when on 24th April, in the Doghaba Area, the vicinity of Muqran at around 5 zankar Village. The attack led to a apart from the seizure of some weapons, four pm, an AOG stopped a private three-hour long fire fight, injuring AOG members were killed in the joint opera- truck carrying stones and gravel one AOG. The following day, tion. for a construction project and another close range engagement On a different note, in Mazar-e-Sharif, the in- detained the driver with his assis- occurred between AOG and pro- vestigation related to the violence that took tant. The AOG set the truck on government militia members place during the 1st April demonstration con- fire before releasing them. AOG when during the night AOG at- tinued this period with the reported arrest of a initiated illegal check points and tacked a militia post in the Ti- suspect who was allegedly involved in the inci- abduction of drivers in Chimtal murak Area. For the second con- dent. Also noteworthy, on 20th April in Mazar are not unheard of, as AOGs consecutive reporting period these -e-Sharif City, three unknown individuals at- tinue to make it clear that anyone incidents further confirm the re- tempted to abduct the brother of an IO staff operating in district has to do so newal of AOG activities in both member who was relocated to Kabul as a re- with their approval. The most districts after a period of relative sult of the said demonstration. Although the notable recent case occurred be- calm in the aftermath of Opera- majority of rare abductions taking place in tween 27-28th February with the tion ‘Ebtekar’. AOG activity Mazar involves ‘valuable targets’ such as busi- hijacking of three IO trucks in the against pro-government militia nessmen, this incident was a clear attempt to Alburz mountain areas, where two also continued in southern Balkh, exert the pressure on a witness in to disrupt drivers escaped and all three Sholgara District where AOG the investigation into the 1st April attack. trucks were set on fire. As previ- ambushed militia members in

NOTICE: The graphs provided in the report are accurate as of the 27th of April 2011. THE ANSO REPORT Page 6

NGO Incidents FARYAB Year to Date 1 FARYAB This Report Period 0 50 Maymana has been quiet thus far 40 despite tensions that arose in the note that Northern Faryab has 30 last reporting period between the seen an increase of activity, with 20 PRT and the community. Anec- two more incidents taking place in 10 dotal reports from the area sug- Dawlatabad District—a known 0 gested that elders gathered several AOG hub. Noteworthy amongst these, on 16th April in Dashti times with the authorities in order FARYAB AOG FARYAB Crime to seek permission to hold a Laili, an AOG entered the area to demonstration against the burning collect religious taxes from the served on 20th April when AOG carried out of the Holy Quran and the opera- community but was chased off by an attack against an ANP patrol. Five days lat- tion resulted in the killing of an ANP reinforcement. AOGs have er at around 5 pm, still in Jungal Area, an ANP ANBP policeman who had been been reaching out to the commu- post located approximately 200 meters west of involved in the death of two IMF nity here for a while, with anecdo- the main road came under AOG fire. Also in soldiers. The authorities held the tal reports suggesting that in Feb- the South of Maymana, AOG operations fo- position that no demonstrations ruary and March AOG elements cused on Pashtun Kot with the abduction of a can take place unless an individual stopped cars in order to request local civilian reported on 19th April in Taka agrees to take responsibility for for local support. It is likely that Tozai Village. Plus there were two armed at- any violence that might occur. As insecurity will further increase in tacks occurring in Khwaja Namosa area in no one had volunteered to take Dawlatabad as spring progresses, which one ANP was killed, and another ANP the responsibility, the potential for especially in the contested Jungal along with one IMF soldier were injured. An- further protests did not translate Area. The said area, which is lo- ecdotal reporting suggests that due to the on- itself into practice. cated on the border between going military operation ‘Wahdak’, the spill Dawlatabad and Qaramqol dis- In the past two weeks focal points over of dislocating AOG elements from Dar- tricts, experienced last year several for AOG activity were Pashtun zab and Qush Tepa (Jawzjan) may affect the illegal check points as well as di- Kot, Quaramqol, Dawlatabad, and security situation in the north of Faryab, in rect attacks on ANP check posts. Qaysar districts. It is interesting to particular Shirin Tagab, Dawlatabad and The renewal of this trend was ob- Quaramqol Districts.

NGO Incidents KUNDUZ Year to Date 1 KUNDUZ 50 This Report Period 0 This reporting period a total of 29 40 security incidents were reported in followed well known patterns: 30 Kunduz Province, which repre- eight of the mentioned 18 IED 20 sents a significant decrease as incidents occurred in Kunduz 10 compared to 37 incidents record- District alone, followed by four in 0 ed during the previous cycle. In Chahar Dara and Khanabad and addition, AOG and IMF appear finally two events in Archi. As to be refraining from conducting noted in previous ANSO reports KUNDUZ AOG KUNDUZ Crime major operations across the prov- the majority of IED taking place Kunduz district, where the majority of inci- ince, at least temporarily. Whereas in Kunduz are remote controlled dents were concentrated, witnessed two note- a lull in AOG-ANSF/IMF direct devices and destined to target worthy events this period. On 18th April in engagements has been observed ANSF/IMF vehicles. However, in District 2, an RCIED detonated in front of the over the past two weeks, IED the last fortnight, an RCIED det- residence of a community elder, injuring three emplacement in Kunduz remains onated against a private truck in local civilians including the elder and his son. a concern. There have been 18 Archi District injuring its driver Although it is not excluded that this incident IED related incidents taking place and his assistant. In the same dis- was related to a personal grievance, AOG at- across the province with eight trict, as a result of IED detonation tacks against targets including GOA personali- devices that detonated. Territorial that took place in Puli Pukhta area ties, ANSF or associates are frequent in distribution of these incidents two teenage girls were wounded. Kunduz City. THE ANSO REPORT Page 7

NGO Incidents BAGHLAN Year to Date 1 BAGHLAN 50 This Report Period 0 Even though in the last fortnight 40 the attention of Operation as part of a personal dispute that 30 Nowruz remained focused on the he had with the abductee’s broth- 20 er. It has been suggested that the traditional AOG strongholds of 10 abductee is currently being held Burka and Baghlani Jadid, with a 0 widely publicized report that IMF for ransom. In addition, on the conducted a night raid in Burka morning of 18th April in Kuru BAGHLAN AOG BAGHLAN Crime on the 18th (Fulol Area) that Area, armed individuals fired two killed 11 AOG members, includ- rockets that impacted close to the along the Main Kunduz – Kabul road were not ing the District Shadow Gover- main road, causing no injuries. uncommon in 2010, but few have occurred in nor, Dushi District was once After an illegal check point that 2011. It is extremely rare for such attacks to again ‘active’. The said district, was set up on the Puli Khumri- take place in Dushi, as opposed to Puli Khum- which saw an unusual amount of Kabul Road on the 11th, this re- ri or Baghlani Jadid, which are usual hotspots insecurity over the previous reporting period saw two additional in the province. According to ANSO data porting period, experienced sever- incidents affecting the main road. there have been 10 incidents, including the al noteworthy incidents. On 18th On the evening of 15th April un- recent ones recorded in Dushi this month, April in Kilagai Village along the known armed individuals attacked compared to a total of 14 incidents recorded in Puli Khumri-Kabul Road, three with SAF two fuel tankers, slightly the district last year. As previously noted, it is local nationals were stopped by an damaging both of them. Another likely that the recent proliferation of events has armed group led by a well known attack along the main road oc- been caused by AOGs and ACGs who have local ACG commander. Two of curred on 21st in Kelagai area been forced south from Baghlani Jadid and them were questioned and re- when an AOG launched an as- Burka districts due to the Nowruz operation. leased on the spot, while the third sault on IMF contracted fuel tank- On a positive note though, a previous hotspot- one was abducted. Worthy to note ers burning three of them. Three Chesmashir Area along the Pul-e Khumri- that reports from the area link the other tankers were damaged but Mazar Main Road- has so far remained quiet perpetrator to an ACG who also their drivers managed to escape since Operation ‘Jadid’ that took place on early has ties to various AOGs, and the scene of the attack. Generally January 2011. may have abducted this individual speaking attacks on fuel tankers

NGO Incidents TAKHAR Year to Date 1 TAKHAR 50 This Report Period 0 Takhar continues to see a signifi- 40 cant decline in insecurity, with the on individuals and the communi- 30 majority of incidents related to ty. A noteworthy incident oc- 20 criminal activity. Among them, an curred in Yangi Qala when an 10 incident which occurred on the ACG opened fire on a private 0 evening of 19th April in Taloqan Corolla vehicle when the driver District (Qulbars Area) disturbed refused to stop on Yangi Qala- TAKHAR AOG TAKHAR Crime many members of the community. Khwaja Bahawuddin Road, caus- Eight armed individuals, six of ing however no injuries. In addi- each other in District 2 of the city. them wearing ANP uniforms, tion, in Taluqan City, a former Jihadi commander was shot and AOG activity was focused this reporting peri- entered and robbed a private resi- od on Khwaja Bahawuddin where on 20th dence, and then assaulted a 12 injured in District 1, apparently over a personal dispute. Another April an AOG attacked a pro-government mi- year old child. Although a police litia member’s residence, and in Ishkamish investigation is ongoing, no ar- dispute resulted in one civilian wounded in the cross-fire, while where on 21st ANP discovered and removed rests have been made so far. an IED which was emplaced in the District While this does not suggest any the body guards of an ANA re- cruitment officer from Kunduz Centre Area. In addition, the next day IMF shift in the security paradigm, it is conducted a night raid in Fakhrak Area of the a disturbing reminder of the ef- and a female Taluqan Provincial Council member clashed with same district, killing one AOG member and fects that violent crime can have arresting another four. THE ANSO REPORT Page 8

NGO Incidents SAR- E PUL Year to Date 2 SAR‐E PUL This Report Period 1 50 This reporting period Sar-e Pul 40 Province experienced the second Operation ‘Wahdak’ taking place 30 NGO related incident recorded in Tri-Provincial area: Sayyad Dis- 20 this year. On 25th April in Sar-e trict, Qush Tepa and Darzab in 10 Pul district, around 20-25 un- Jawzjan, and Bilchiragh in Faryab. 0 known armed individuals entered While on one hand it is possible that this incident can be related to Qush Tepa Village where an IN- SAR‐E PUL AOG SAR‐E PUL Crime GO is implementing a project. AOG spill over from areas affect- The project is run with intermit- ed by the military operation, on 19th), adding to the 64 who joined in the pre- tent presence of external staff in the other given changes in securi- vious reporting period. The authorities have the area and through field visits. ty dynamics, local armed groups already announced the operation was a success The armed men went to the own- may become more suspicious par- and claimed the Sayyad has been cleared of er of the house, which is rented by ticularly towards external elements AOG presence. Probably to prove the contrary the organization, and demanded such as non-local NGO staff. and to show its operational capacities (despite to know the whereabouts of the This period Operation ‘Wahdak’ being pressured) on April 23rd a large number INGO staff. They also asked the continued in Sayyad District with of AOG (estimated at around 25 operatives) owner to let them know in ad- multiple operations that were car- launched an attack using RPGs and SAF vance about the next visit of the ried out on the morning of the against GOA facilities located in District 2 of INGO staff to the village. The 17th resulting in numerous AOG Sar-e Pul City. This incident represents the armed individuals did not precise- casualties. An operation that took first direct attack targeting the objectives locat- ly give the reason for their de- place at 2 am in Ahzdabala village ed within Sar-e Pul City this year. However, it mand; therefore the exact inten- claimed the lives of 10 AOG seems to confirm reports that despite the mili- tion behind this information gath- members. Following this, IMF tary operation taking place in the province in- ering remains at this point unclear. conducted an airstrike in the same security along the main road did not improve Nonetheless, it should be noted area at 4 am, killing a further eight significantly and furthermore instability has that the security environment in AOG. Besides military actions, 30 started to affect areas outside Sar-e Pul City. Sar-e Pul has become more fluid individuals joined the peace pro- in the light of the ongoing military cess in 2 groups (on the 17th and

NGO Incidents JAWZJAN Year to Date 0 JAWZJAN 50 This Report Period 0 Although suffering from relatively 40 little insecurity compared to other 0100hrs. Although attacks on 30 ANP checkpoints are not notable, provinces in the North, Jawzjan 20 and are a common AOG tactic continues to experience a note- 10 worthy trend of “first time” inci- countrywide, the attack marks the 0 dents along the main Maymana – first ANSO recorded AOG initiated incident on the main road in Mazar-e-Sharif Road in northern JAWZJAN AOG JAWZJAN Crime districts. On 10th March the first this district. Furthermore, again in illegal checkpoint was recorded in Fayzabad District, an IED was an AOG is operating intermittently in the area. Khwaja Du Koh, which resulted found under a culvert in the Ko- The military operation ‘Wahdak’ is still ongo- in the abduction of four individu- kaldash area at 8 am on the 20th. ing in Qush Tepa and Darzab districts with als who remain at large, and on Although Fayzabad does not see a some weapons and ammunition seizures and 25th March there was the first lot of insecurity, Kokaldash is the IED discoveries reported during the present illegal checkpoint along this road same area where the illegal check- cycle. So far there have not been reports of occurring in Fayzabad District. In point was set up on March 25th, armed clashes between AOG and security this reporting period, on 20th and where AOGs fired RPGs at a forces indicating, as seen during previous simi- April, an AOG attacked an ANP telecommunications tower in July lar military actions, that the majority of com- checkpoint located on the main 2010. While this does not repre- batants merged in with the local population road in Aqcha District at around sent a significant shift in security and/or withdrew to surrounding safe areas. in northern Jawzjan, it seems that THE ANSO REPORT Page 9

NGO Incidents BADAKHSHAN Year to Date 5 BADAKHSHAN 50 This Report Period 0 Badakhshan remained relatively 40 stable with 11 security incidents ing of a local female that took 30 that have been reported across the place on 28th January, and a road 20 province in the past two weeks. robbery along the Jurm – Baharak 10 Jurm District came to the fore this road reported on 17th February), 0 reporting period with two inci- and only seven incidents over the entire course of 2010, none of dents of note. On 16th April a BADAKHSHAN AOG BADAKHSHAN Crime group of armed individuals at- them aimed at ANP/GOA infra- structure. The second incident tacked with SAF the ANP head- rivalries rather than denote a specific trend. occurred in Sagab Village on the quarter from Dashtek Area. The Lastly, insecurity continues in Baharak District 28th, with an IED that detonated incident marked a noteworthy with on 27th April an RPG round that was in a telecommunication tower outlier in a usually quiet district. fired against the DAC. The projectile however compound, causing some struc- Prior to this attack, Jurm had only impacted in a local shop and set it ablaze. The tural damages, but no injuries. witnessed two security incidents incident marks the 19th security event to occur While noteworthy, these incidents this year, both of them criminally in the district this year. motivated (the abduction and kill- may have been related to local

Feb-April AOG Incident Comparison: 2006-2011 (as of 27 Apr 2011) 1400

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1000

Feb 800 Mar Apr

600

400

200

0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 THE ANSO REPORT Page 10

W ESTERN REGION

NGO Incidents HERAT HERAT Year to Date 3 50 This Report Period 0 Herat Province saw more than 40 twice as many incidents (total inci- well as in IED incidents, was 30 dent volume) this April as com- again apparent in the north of the 20 pared to April 2010, though the province. On 21st of April, three 10 number still remains slightly under civilians were killed and six others that recorded for April 2009. wounded in the Bazara Alaghadari 0 However, AOG initiated incidents area of Kushki Kuhna, when have increased in comparison to ANSF/IMF responded to an HERAT AOG HERAT Crime 2009, from 23% to 36% of the AOG attack and a rocket impact- clash between local commanders and AOGs total volume. This firgure reflects ed in a nearby village, though due on 20th of April – this time in Esfarz village. the expanded AOG presence in to negotiations involving local The recent armed clashes are indicative of an the northern districts of Gulran, elders the situation remained ongoing power struggle since 2010, and they Khushk (north of the district cen- calm. Furthermore, on 18th of are expected to continue to impact the security tre) and Kushki Kuhna, as well as April an IED killed the civilian situation as well as the stability of the district in the eastern districts Pashtun Zar- driver of a motorbike in Chardar the upcoming months. ghun, Obe and Chishti Sharif – in area on the main road from addition to the historic hotspots Kushk to Kushki Kuhna. How- In general, Herat City was calm during this of Adraskan and Shindand in the ever, both areas are known for a reporting period, although on 17th of April the south. The current period wit- higher level of hostilities, which second hand grenade attack against a private nessed the same number of direct increases the risk of collateral in- house this month was recorded, likely criminal fire attacks as the previous one, volvement. related. In addition, an explosive device was thrown, reportedly out of a car, in the direction these being concentrated in Shin- In the east, AOGs in Pashtun of the ANP checkpoint in the Spinade area of dand, Kushk, Kushki Kuhna and Zarghun remained quieter during District 2 in the early morning of 20th of Gulran. In contrast, IED related the last two weeks, but several April. No damage or casualty was caused and incidents – especially discoveries – ANSF/IMF operations, particu- the intention seems to have been rather to in- decreased notably, with only one larly in the western parts of the timidate and create fear. Although similar inci- IED explosion in Kushk and an district, took place. This can be dents with even stronger impacts are not un- incident involving an explosive seen as a reaction to the noticea- likely in Herat City, they are expected to re- device in Herat City. However, ble AOG activity in mid-April and main infrequent for the time being and con- this is expected to be only a tem- the continuing rumours about centrated on ANSF/IMF as well as – to a less- porarily decrease. illegal checkpoints on the main er extent – GoA targets. The risk for civilians to be collat- roads and other intimidation erally involved in hostilities be- measures by AOGs in the district. tween ANSF/IMF and AOG, as Chishti Sharif again saw an armed THE ANSO REPORT Page 11

NGO Incidents FARAH FARAH Year to Date 0 50 This Report Period 0 40 Compared to the previous report- 30 ing period, the overall number of April was the fifth incident rec- incidents dropped more than 50% orded in the district this year. In 20 in the second half of April. How- contrast to the other two districts, 10 ever, it is worth noting that the Qala-I-Kah has seen the highest 0 usually quiet western districts of number of incidents this year, including two IED strikes against Farah Province saw AOG activity. FARAH AOG FARAH Crime During the current reporting cy- ANSF. The recent direct fire at- cle, Anar Dara saw two abduc- tack in Chawni on 16th of April In general, the main concern in Farah Province tions, Shib Koh an illegal check- targeted again ANSF and report- remains IED strikes and discoveries in Pusht point and Qala-I-Kah both a di- edly lasted for two hours. Out- Rod and Khaki Safed. In Khaki Safed an IED rect fire attack and an abduction. side of usual patterns is the ab- hit an IMF vehicle on the main road to the The current incidents in Anar Da- duction of 13 employees of an district centre in Deware Sorkh area on 17th of ra mark the third and fourth this Iranian road construction compa- April and in Pusht Rod an IED detonation year. Whereas the abduction of a ny by AOG in Dah Kak Village destroyed the Massaw Bridge on the main road businessman on 22nd of April on close to the Iranian border on to the district centre on 24th of April. In addi- the main road to Farah City was 17th of April. Ten of the abduction, on 26th of April an IED hit an ALP criminally motivated and the ab- tees were Iranian nationals and member on a motorbike on a secondary road ductee was rescued by ANP, the three Afghan working on resur- in Molaman village. IEDs and general AOG second abduction in Tighaw vil- facing the road from Iran to Farah activity in both districts are expected to contin- lage by AOG ended with the kill- City, which is reportedly funded ue for the time being, most likely targeting ing of the abducted local elder. In by the Government of Iran. The ANSF/IMF or strategic locations such as Shib Koh, the illegal checkpoint in abductees were released on 20th bridges and the main road to Pusht Rod’s dis- Mohammad Abad area on the of April 2011 in Dah Kak Village trict centre. main road to Farah on 24th of due to the negotiations of elders.

COMBINED (AOG/Criminal) NGO INCIDENTS : 2006-2011 30

0 JUL JUL JUL JUL JUL JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JAN JUN JUN JUN JUN JUN FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB FEB APR APR APR APR APR APR DEC DEC DEC DEC DEC MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR MAR AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG AUG NOV NOV NOV NOV NOV SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT SEPT 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 THE ANSO REPORT Page 12

NGO Incidents BADGHIS Year to Date 0 BADGHIS This Report Period 0 50 While the number of incidents in 40 the second half of April are less on the same level, this is a signifi- 30 when compared to the first half of cant increase compared to 22 air- 20 the month, the incident level still strikes during the whole of last 10 remains higher than during the year and indicates that there is no 0 same period last year. Of note, sustainable improvement of the the incident level in April was situation so far. higher than in any month during Of note, civilians were affected by BADGHIS AOG BADGHIS Crime 2010 – with the exception of the the ongoing hostilities during the motorbike on a secondary road of Gulchin election month September. How- fighting in Murghab as well as in Village of Qadis, killing the driver along with ever, the number of AOG initiat- an IED strike in Qadis. On 17th another civilian. Joye Khaja and Qebchgha ed incidents was lower this April of April, AOG attacked an Area of Murghab as well as Gulchin Village in than in April 2010, most likely ANSF/IMF convoy with RPGs the north of Qadis district are known to be reflecting the ongoing ANSF/ and SAF in Joye Khaja Area of unstable areas with a high level of AOG influ- IMF operations. Nevertheless, Murghab. In response, IMF con- ence. Such areas are expected to be continuing whether or not continuing air ducted an airstrike. Reportedly, targets for ANSF/IMF operations during the strikes will reduce AOG activity in seven civilians were killed and next months. In addition, roads known to be the long term remains to be seen. another four wounded among used by ANSF/IMF such as the Qala-I-Naw – During this reporting cycle IMF others. One day later, AOG at- Muqur Main Road are likely to see continuing conducted four airstrikes in tacked an ALP check post with IED strikes and discoveries, as it was the case Murghab, which bring the number RPGs and SAF in Qebchgha Ar- again during this reporting period. of airstrikes/operations up to 14 ea. One local civilian was injured this year and to seven in April in the crossfire. In addition, on alone. If air operations continue 20th of April an IED hit a civilian

NOTICE: ANSO ORIENTATION SERVICE

All newly arrived NGO international staff (no contractors or consultants) from ANSO- registered NGOs are welcome to attend the next ANSO NGO International Staff Orientation that is scheduled for 0830 hrs at the ANSO Headquarters in Kabul on the 4th of May 2011. (The briefing will last approximately 3.5 hrs). Please note, this service is designed for newly arrived international staff that would like to be sensitized to ANSO services, trends in the conflict, the conflict’s historical basis and regional-specific contexts, the NGO operational context, and an analytical overview of NGO recent incidents. Interested staff should contact their management for further details regarding attendance and registration. THE ANSO REPORT Page 13

NGO Incidents GHOR Year to Date 3 GHOR 50 This Report Period 3 Although the general security situ- 40 ation in Ghor remains quiet, the 19th of April. The armed men 30 current reporting period saw three asked the INGO staff to take 20 direct NGO incidents though of their luggage to a village in the 10 note, in none of the incidents was opposite direction and this led to 0 the NGO itself specifically target- a disagreement between the driver ed. In Shahrak District, both inci- and one of the armed men, who dents were rather caused by un- started throwing stones at the GHOR AOG GHOR Crime lucky circumstances as seen on driver, injuring him slightly. The four ANA who were on vacation while in the the 14th of April when an INGO other INGO staff members pre- second, this one in Dahane Kargush area, team was involved in a car acci- sent calmed the situation down AOG kept a package with documents belong- dent with a local sub-commander which allowed the INGO staff to ing to an NGO, while searching a local in Kaminij area. In reaction to the continue their travel without fur- transport vehicle. At present, it is unclear why accident, supporters of the local ther problems. The motivation of the AOG took the package and if they even sub-commander held the three the armed men seems to have knew it was belonging to an NGO. Although INGO national staff members been simply finding transport for AOG activity has been rather infrequent so involved for five hours and kept their luggage and there are no in- far, two illegal checkpoints on the main road the car. The local sub- dications that the violent reaction during the day are indicative of AOG confi- commander was severely wound- of one of them was in any way dence. ed and died on 20th of April in related to the INGO. AOG activities in the south of Ghor have con- Chaghcharan City, and after his The third NGO incident, this one tinued on a low level similar to last year, death, the driver and the two oth- in Charsada, reflects unconfirmed though 2010 recorded an increase of incidents er INGO staff members involved reports about an increasing AOG beginning in May. On 22nd of April, a road- in the accident brought the body presence in the district. On 24th side IED hit an ANP vehicle in Lal Sorkh area to the sub-commander’s village, of April, two illegal checkpoints of Taywara on the main road to Pasaband. effectively closing the incident. on the Charsada – Chaghcharan Although IED related incidents still remain The second incident took place Main Road were recorded, where infrequent and are not necessarily on the main on the Herat – Chaghcharan Main an AOG was searching for GoA road, the general security situation along this Road in Bidan area, where armed employees. The first incident, in main road reportedly remains concerning due men stopped an INGO vehicle on Kotale Biji area, AOG abducted to a significant AOG presence.

NOTICE: The full English version of the IEA statement regarding Operation Badar is provided on pages 25 and 26 of this report. THE ANSO REPORT Page 14

E ASTERN REGION

NGO Incidents NANGARHAR Year to Date 7 NANGARHAR This Report Period 1 100 The first set of significant devel- In the Khogyani districts of Sher- 80 opments in Nangarhar this period 60 occurred in the Shinwari districts zad and Khogyani, the only signif- 40 to the southeast, dominated by icant AOG-initiated incidents the Shinwar land dispute, in which were 2 IED detonations in the 20 sporadic exchanges of fire contin- former and 3 in the latter – 3 of 0 ued to take place between the two which targeted IMF convoys feuding sub-tribes in the first moving on roads in the vicinity of NANGARHAR AOG NANGARHAR Crime week of the period. It also led to their DACs, in a familiar pattern the only NGO incident during to recent periods. And Sherzad City, but it is important to note that in spite of this period. An NGO nurse from was home to 5 of the 7 reported that presence, there continues to be a total Bati Kot was returning through IMF operations, all search opera- absence of any indications that NGOs will be the Pekha area of Achin, the origi- tions related to the fact of signifi- targeted by AOGs. Overall across the prov- nal frontline of the conflict, on cant AOG infiltration into the ince, IED incidents significantly increased, by the 28th after visiting in-laws be- district from Kurram Agency. In approximately 80%, with noteworthy examples longing to one side of the dispute, all, 14 AOG fighters were arrest- amongst the rest in Chaparhar’s Sra Kala, a when he was shot in the stomach ed, while a heroin processing facil- traditional location. In Bati Kot, the second by members of the opposing sub- ity in Termay was also raided and SVBIED in 6 weeks detonated against an IMF tribe. He was not fatally injured destroyed. ANP likewise raided convoy, this one too causing no casualties and was safely stabilised. Before another processing facility two among IMF service members. And in nearby this incident, the issue first days later. Importantly, given the Kot, unusually, two IMF operations took brought the governor and then a recent high profile suicide attacks place, detaining 4 and seizing considerable large delegation of Pakistani tribal that have taken place in the region quantities of weaponry. and elsewhere, in each facility a elders down to the district, each Finally, in Dara-i Nur, AOG fighters infiltrat- attempting to find a negotiated number of ANA uniforms were discovered. ing from neighbouring districts conducted two solution to the issue. However, direct attacks, the first on the DAC on the that this incident took place after In Jalalabad City itself, three IED 16th, and, more significantly, the second on an the beginning of these high-level detonations occurred, all in Zone ANP vehicle with RPGs, which killed 2 police- interventions indicates that it re- 2. Threat reports suggested an men and injured a further 3; the following day mains a standing concern at the attack would occur on JAF to- locals staged a demonstration in protest of end of the period, even if the in- wards the end of the period, but these attacks. These attacks underline the volvement of such powerful ac- this did not materialise, although growing AOG strength in southern Kunar tors is likely to prevent major out- such attacks are assessed as likely districts to Dara-i Nur’s northeast, and their breaks of inter-tribal violence, at in the near term. Another IED willingness to come into hostile territory to least in the near term. Meanwhile, incident occurred in Jalalabad, this conduct attacks. However, if this continues it a significant number of ANP pop- time near the Eidgah mosque in is likely that the local Pashaii inhabitants of the py eradication operations also Zone 4, when a device was dis- district will become increasingly aggressive in took place in Achin, with more covered on the vehicle of the He- defending their soil from non-Pashaii infiltra- than 50 acres destroyed in multi- sarak District Governor. This in- tors. ple operations. cident underlines the extent of AOG penetration into Jalalabad THE ANSO REPORT Page 15

NGO Incidents KUNAR Year to Date 6 KUNAR 200 This Report Period 2 On all fronts, Kunar remained 150 riven with conflict between oppo- significantly – to account for ap- 100 sition groups and local and inter- proximately a fifth of all incidents national security forces during the during the period, a clear sign of 50 their intentions to continue to period: in the northern third of 0 the province; in the western corri- push the security forces towards dor of Chapa Dara, Manogai and and into Asadabad. The remaining Wata Pur; and in eastern Sirkanay IMF base in the district came un- and Marawara districts, where der repeated assault, with a num- KUNAR AOG KUNAR Crime major IMF operations recently ber of engagements during the yond 4 direct attacks on security forces, in finished. Firstly, two NGO inci- period, one of which led to the which one ANA soldier was killed, a large dents were reported during the deaths of 3 AOG fighters. In an- group of armed men entered a mosque in the period, each affecting clinics, one other engagement in the Nan- Shutan area and assaulted the preachers inside, in Nari and one in Chapa Dara. In galam valley, and one of a number stealing a large quantity of money and valua- Nari, a joint IMF/ANA patrol of assaults on new ANA positions bles. In Dangam, only IMF operations were was patrolling in the Saw area in the district, an ANA soldier at reported, including the killing of a senior Saudi when they came under fire from an ANA OP was killed, while an Arabian commander just before the beginning AOG fighters lying in wait. The IED struck an ANP vehicle on of the period; the main Arab AOG operating soldiers sought refuge in the clin- the main road through Wata Pur in Afghanistan has recently strengthened its ic, but after some bullets had towards the end of the period, position in northern Kunar, integrating them- caused minor damage an AOG claiming two policemen’s lives. selves into the local AOG landscape there, as commander ordered his men to In the northern districts of Nari, IMF have come under increasing pressure to cease fire to prevent further dam- Ghaziabad, Bar Kunar and cede rural territory to AOGs. As such, this age to the clinic – the first record- Dangam, AOG attacks on security AOG will likely be a matter of increasing con- ed occasion in the province when forces have also significantly in- cern in coming months. Two other large IMF AOGs have specifically held their creased in recent weeks, both a operations were recorded in Dangam on the fire in order to protect an NGO function of the improved climatic 19th, killing a combined total of 23 AOG, and facility. The second incident oc- conditions in these high, remote reportedly also two female civilians, and as curred when AOGs, while attack- areas, and of the increased empha- such being the primary focus for IMF clearing ing the Chapa Dara DAC, acci- sis that AOGs operating there are operations this period. dentally hit a clinic’s septic tank putting on making gains in this with a mortar, causing minor region too. Beyond the aforemen- Finally, in Marawara and Sirkanay, where ma- damage. tioned AOG-IMF engagement jor IMF operations recently concluded, a number of direct AOG assaults on ANP occurred, In the western corridor of Chapa that collaterally involved an NGO including two on the Marawara ANP HQ, Dara, Manogai and Wata Pur, clinic, at least 6 kinetic engage- demonstrating the quick turn-around time that AOGs continued to augment their ments took place between IMF AOGs in the region can demonstrate. In Sirka- position, and pressure the security and AOG fighters in Nari, with a nay meanwhile, AOG fighters attacked the forces present. The Chapa Dara further two IDF attacks on IMF house of a soldier, who was absent, beat and DAC came under renewed assault, bases in the district. IMF also tied up two male relatives and killed four of as it continues to await an influx conducted an air strike in the area, the women in the house, including a young of ANA to augment its besieged killing 2 AOG fighters, and two girl, in an unusually violent incident. ANP garrison, while in Wata Pur, ANBP-AOG engagements were the number of AOG assaults rose also recorded. In Bar Kunar, be- THE ANSO REPORT Page 16

NGO Incidents NURISTAN Year to Date 0 NURISTAN 50 This Report Period 0 In Nuristan in the past fortnight, 40 the eastern districts have been the of AOG fighters, both local and 30 focus of security developments, Pakistani, reported to be in the 20 while the AOG-held Waygal has district, it is likely that they will 10 been significant for the political eventually gain the upper hand 0 developments that have taken and seize the DAC, absent any place. Firstly, Bargi Matal was injection of further ANSF or IMF home to a well-planned, well- support, which is unlikely to NURISTAN AOG NURISTAN Crime executed build-up of AOG forces come. in the immediate vicinity of the In Kamdesh to the south, there Waygal at the beginning of the period, with a DAC. On the 20th, it was report- was a series of attacks on ANBP district governor, senior judge and a chief of ed that a number of AOG CPs CPs in the Gawardesh valley, a police appointed; a religious affairs committee had been established within less key focus for AOG attacks in that supportive of the IEA had already been de than a kilometre of the ANSF district during the conflict, given facto functioning. It was subsequently reported CPs that sought to form a protec- its importance as a current and that on the 25th, furthermore, AOG members tive ring around the DAC, also of future potential infiltration route had come from Bargi Matal and Kamdesh to course home to provincial ANP from Pakistan. Recently, ANA assist in the establishment of 5 AOG CPs HQ. Within days forward offen- OPs have been established above across Waygal, thought to function much as sive positions for the AOG fight- the valley floor because of its cen- ANP CPs do. The political significance of the ers had also been reportedly set trality, but they have not prevent- establishment of a rudimentary IEA district up equally close to the ring of ed the valley-level ANBP CPs government is not to be discounted, as it only CPs. from continuing to be attacked; further advances and solidifies the AOG posi- This was the closest that the indeed, it was also reported that a tion in the district, as well as setting an im- AOGs had come in establishing 100-strong influx of new AOG portant example of formal IEA rule within the formal positions around the Bargi fighters into the Gawardesh area country for the first time since 2002. However, Matal DAC, after a substantial was reported during the period, it has been reported that once AOG members build-up of numerical strength indicating the on-going AOG in- captured the DAC, it was stripped by AOG over the winter and in the first tentions to continue to apply pres- looters, and is not known to have any re- quarter of 2011. The outbreak of sure to the ANSF present. It is sources at its disposal. As such, questions re- fighting between the forces even- also reported that the non-local main as to what indications it provides in re- tually arrived on the afternoon of character of the new ANA at the- gard to the character of formal IEA political the 28th, with sporadic kinetic se OPs has also been a contrib- rule. engagements lasting the rest of uting factor in increasing local Finally, elsewhere in the province the only sig- the day, and with 2 AOG fighters resentment of the security forces, nificant reports were of an influx of AOGs, confirmed killed by the time of likely to make their counter- including a contingent of Pakistanis, with the writing. Because of the relatively infiltration work more difficult. intention to support the current efforts in in- even balance of power between In AOG-held Waygal, no security creasing the AOG presence around the provin- the two sides seen in the current incidents were reported, as it is cial capital, Parun. The route reported – from fighting in the remote district, currently home to just one party Pakistan into Waygal via a Kamdesh border further fighting can be expected to the conflict. However, IEA crossing – is excellent evidence of the use of over the coming weeks and leadership in Peshawar did an- Waygal as a central safe haven and staging post months – at least until the dead- nounce the formal creation of an for the planned AOG expansion across Nuri- lock is broken. Given the number IEA district government in stan and into neighbouring provinces. THE ANSO REPORT Page 17

NGO Incidents KHOST Year to Date 2 KHOST This Report Period 0 150 Khost incidence of conflict remained at a consistent weekly lev- IMF. In Bak, there was an equally 100 el during April, at approximately small number of AOG incidents 65 significant security incidents a all concentrated on the DAC area: 50 week, or just under 10 a day. Dur- just one IDF attack on the DAC, 0 ing the second half of the month, causing no damage; an IED that the profile of these incidents shift- struck an ANP vehicle injuring ed slightly, with a greater focus on one slightly; and two further failed KHOST AOG KHOST Crime Bak than Sabari as the primary IED incidents, one in which the battleground between IMF and two planters were killed when it ANSF target; others detonated in markets, Khost’s AOGs. Whereas there detonated prematurely and one against a private mini-bus and in open areas, were a dozen significant IMF op- which was disrupted by ANA, causing only civilian casualties (although none erations in Sabari in the first half leading to the arrest of two AOG reported killed). ANSF continued to do an of April, double that of Bak, dur- operatives. Similarly in Tere Zayi, effective job at discovering and defusing IEDs ing this period the reverse was only three AOG incidents were in the city, with three times the volume of dis- true, with the same numbers. In recorded, comprising one IED coveries to detonations, a marked improve- Bak, roughly 30 AOG fighters that struck an IMF vehicle injur- ment on recent months and a positive sign for were detained during these opera- ing 5 occupants, one that was dis- city security – although unlikely to ever be tions, with just 6 reported de- covered and defused, and an IDF 100% effective. Finally, during the daytime of tained in Sabari. It is worth noting attack on an ANSF CP that the 22nd mortars were fired at the Salerno the contrast with neighbouring missed its target. In all, then, con- IMF base, a common occurrence but which Paktika, where many of the opera- sistent IMF pressure on AOGs in uncommonly killed one IMF service member. tions there during April resulting this battlespace has made inroads, in AOG fighters being killed ra- although the sustainability of the- In Tani and Gurbuz, a small number of AOG ther than captured, thus pointing se gains of course remains an incidents were recorded, none of great signifi- to the unusual fact that during this open question. cance beyond a non-fatal shooting of an NDS period Khost was not the south- official by opposition fighters in the Gurbuz Khost City recorded a predictable DAC. To the west of the province, Nadir Shah eastern province to record the percentage of conflict incidents – highest levels of actual violence. Kot saw some above-average activity from about 30% of provincial totals – both sides, including a number of AOG Returning to the IMF operations, and AOG presence continued to a half dozen were also conducted deaths. AOG attacks on IMF patrols were rec- be visible and significant. Perhaps orded in the DAC and Zene Khel areas, while in neighbouring Tere Zayi, which the most important incident was a led to 10 AOG detentions. Zene Khel was also home to two major IMF magnetic IED attack on the car of search operations, which resulted in a com- From the AOG side, Sabari was a senior official from the provin- bined total of 21 arrests, and one of which led also quiet, with just one IED det- cial governor’s office, which killed to a firefight in which 7 AOG fighters were onation and three discoveries, all him and an ANA soldier working killed. It is worth noting that Nadir Shah Kot in the DAC area, as was the exe- as his protection. There were sev- is also where 2 NGO workers were, and re- cution by AOG members of a eral other IED detonations in the main, abducted on April 7th. local for allegedly spying for the city, only one of which had a clear THE ANSO REPORT Page 18

NGO Incidents LAGHMAN Year to Date 0 LAGHMAN 50 This Report Period 0 By far the most significant inci- 40 across the province. First, an IMF dent to occur in Laghman this 30 operation in Alishing’s Mayol val- period was the SBBIED at the 20 ANA’s 201st Corps HQ in ley killed the Alishing DSG and Qarghayi’s Gamberi desert area. his brother, who were sheltering 10 The most credible information in a house, and led to the arrest of 0 received was that an ANA soldier four others for providing them from Daykundi province, who shelter, marking a significant intel- had enlisted and been serving for ligence success. And in Dawlat LAGHMAN AOG LAGHMAN Crime a month, detonated his vest dur- Shah, the northern district almost former of which is very close to the PRT and ing an outdoor gathering of ANA entirely off-limits to the relatively the latter on the Alingar road, white IEA flags and IMF, killing 4 ANA and 5 under-resourced IMF in the prov- were raised in the second week of the period, IMF along with himself, and injur- ince, a joint IMF-NDS operation while three rockets were fired at the PRT, ing approximately 30 further sol- was conducted in the Mandi Setar marking a slightly more visible AOG presence diers to varying degrees. This HQ, area, which led to the killing of in the environs of the provincial capital than with a rapidly expanding IMF two AOG fighters and the deten- recently. FOB at its core, had only come tion of 3 more, and the injuring of online in the past 2 months, with 1 IMF and 4 NDS officials. As In Alingar, the IED cell operating in the some perimeter defence work still reported before, it is likely that as Parwa’i area attempted without success to con- being carried out at the time of IMF transition control of Me- duct further IED attacks, with all four such the attack, and is likely to have htarlam City to ANSF authority, devices discovered and defused. However, in seriously shaken the present ANA and with the expectation that the the Salaw area AOG fighters managed to dis- leadership. However, such a so- rest of the province will transition arm and kidnap 5 ANP coming from phisticated and unusual attack as in the second tranche, probably Nurgaram, who were later released unharmed this is very difficult to plan for, next year, we will likely see more due to the mediation of tribal elders. Finally, particularly given the ethnic iden- IMF efforts to push up into the IMF conducted one operation there, in the tity of the BBIED operative, and more isolated valleys of Alishing Dara-ye Mel area, killed 3 AOG fighters and it doesn’t reflect any major short- and Dawlat Shah to extend what arresting 2 more. comings in the ANA at the HQ, currently is a limited IMF and In Bad Pakh, the first confirmed IMF airstrike which is coordinating relatively GOA writ in these areas. Also in that killed AOG fighters (2) was recorded, af- effective operations across the Alishing, IMF were attacked on ter the recently clearing operations that pushed region. two occasions, while ANP arrest- all known AOG fighters out of the area. And ed two AOG fighters dressed in This attack was a stand-out event, in Qarghayi district, finally, attacks on the ANA uniforms. and connected to the provincial Highway continued at a low level; 4 were rec- conflict only insofar as the Corps However, the Mehtarlam City orded, all between Surkhakan and Tangi HQ is located in Laghman. How- transition will not be without its Abrisham, at 0700, 0900 and 1600 hours, ever, while incident volumes rose own troubles, as some incidents in thereby reinforcing the ANSO advisory to only marginally, other important this period demonstrate. In avoid travel on that road outside of the 9-4 developments were recorded Alikhel and Chelmati villages, the window. THE ANSO REPORT Page 19

NGO Incidents PAKTYA Year to Date 0 PAKTYA 100 This Report Period 0 The level of security incidents 80 continued to rise in Paktya, up governor’s compound on the 60 approximately 50%, with notable morning of the 26th, injuring two 40

increases in three important areas. civilians – a demonstration of 20 First, there was an increase in AOG reach in the small city. ANP IED and direct AOG assaults in also arrested a former policeman 0 Gardez City and its environs. In on suspicion of assisting AOG infiltration into Gardez. the Tera Bagh area on April 20th, PAKTYA AOG PAKTYA Crime AOG fighters attacked an ANP A second focus of conflict was patrol, withdrawing after a brief the highly insecure southern dis- ing a significant increase in AOG activity in firefight, while in the same area on tricts of Zurmat and Wuza Za- the district. In nearby Wuza Zadran, two IMF the 28th, an IED was discovered dran. In the former, AOG fighters operations arrested 9 AOG fighters, while on the Gardez-Kabul Road and attacked an IMF convoy in the AOG operatives attacked the DAC with SAF subsequently control detonated. Sahak area with SAF and RPGs, and RPGs to no effect. Other IED detonations were also while on the same day in the same recorded, including one in area IMF arrested 4 AOG opera- The final region of significance was the north- Shaikhan area which prematurely tives as they were planting an ern border districts of Jaji, Chamkanay and detonated, killing 3 of the 4 opera- IED; in another IED incident, a Dand wa Patan, where in each of their DACs tives who were planting it, while device prematurely detonated in AOGs attacked security force targets once dur- in the Banozai area a device deto- Shirkhan Choni, killing both the ing the period, with a final attack on an IMF nated in a rubbish bin, killing a operatives planting it. A second convoy recorded on the border between child. A private vehicle also hit an direct assault took place in Zawo, Chamkanay and Dand wa Patan. Reports of IED in the Trakanan area, injur- on an ANP CP, with no casual- AOG intentions to scale up cross-border oper- ing the occupants, and two further ties, while AOG operatives fired 5 ations and infiltration were also received, so we IEDs were discovered and de- mortars at the IMF base in the can expect that in the coming months, there fused in the city environs. Perhaps Kolalgo area on the 22nd. In the will be increasing levels of such incidents as the most significant device that DAC area, too, 2 IEDs were dis- above in these border districts, including tar- detonated was the one that did so covered and defused, in all mark- gets local ALP policemen. at a side gate to the provincial

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Please note that both the ANSO email and SMS distribution lists are updated once weekly, every Sunday. The registration deadline is on the Thursday of every week, therefore, any requests submitted after this will not be updated until the following week. As well, NGOs are requested to provide their registration documentation (or to request the same) directly to the Operations National Counterpart, Mr. Masoud Habibi, at the following email address: [email protected] THE ANSO REPORT Page 20

S OUTHERN REGION

NGO Incidents KANDAHAR Year to Date 1 KANDAHAR 200 This Report Period 0 After the killing of the Kandahar 150 with two others being shot and Chief of Police reported in the 100 previous cycle, this reporting peri- killed when they resisted arrest. In od the GOA security disposition keeping with past practices, one 50 in Kandahar City suffered another should expect that following this 0 spectacular setback. During the incident AOG will further seek to night of 24/25 April a prison reassert their presence in the area. break occurred from the Sarpoza A consequent attempt of retribu- KANDAHAR AOG KANDAHAR Crime Prison located in District 7, in tion through intensification of the which, according to official attacks on GoA and IMF targets with an attack on IMF logistical convoy that sources, at least 476 prisoners should not be excluded as well. took place on 23 April. managed via a tunnel. This well Despite a series of IMF opera- organized incident had been tions that had been conducted by AOG intimidation tactics were less frequent, planned and executed over the end of 2010 in several tradi- though nonetheless remain a concern. In the months and was achieved unno- tionally unstable districts of Kan- past two weeks a tribal elder was killed in Ar- ticed in the early morning of the dahar Province (in order to ‘clear’ ghandab District and on 19 April in Panjwayi 25 at around 0400 hrs. The large these areas from AOG presence) an AOG wearing an ANP uniform and riding majority of the escaped prisoners, a significant level of AOG activity on a motorcycle shot and killed an ANP offi- if not all of them, were AOG continues to be reported from cial. Finally, in the Lola Wala Area of District fighters or associated who had Panjwayi and Zhari districts. 9, AOG shot and wounded an NDS officer. been arrested by security forces at Throughout the districts and ur- During this reporting period ANSF/IMF were high cost of lives and resources. ban centres of Kandahar the main active as well across the province. Apart from It is worth noting that AOG had AOG tactic consists in IED em- several weapon and ammunition caches that already made attempts to free ployment. This reporting period have been localised in Kandahar City; Daman, prisoners from Sarpoza in the two civilians were wounded in an Zhari, Spin Boldak and Dand also experienced past. The most significant inci- IED strike that occurred in Pan- ANSF/IMF operations. On 22 April IMF con- dent took place on 13 June 2008 jwayi Bazar Area while in Kanda- ducted an air strike killing five AOG members when around 30 AOG operatives har City a bicycle-mounted and wounding five civilians in Zhari District. attacked the prison utilising com- RCIED prematurely detonated in Finally, the steady potential for further suicide bination of VBIED, BBIED and Deh Khoja Area of District 4. attacks across the province was underlined SAF attack vectors. The attack Also in Kandahar City, District 6 with the reported arrest of three potential sui- resulted in numerous ANP casual- three IMF soldiers were wounded cide attackers that occurred on 19th April in ties, as well as in the release of when an IED strike their vehicle Spin Boldak District. Two of them were for- more than 1,000 prisoners. As it in Mir Bazaar Area. It is worth eign nationals (Pakistani) and the third one was was a case in 2008, following the noting that Mirwais Mina in Dis- a resident of Kandahar Province. Also in Spin recent evasion ANSF/IMF trict 7 of Kandahar City remains Boldak, security forces seized six suicide vests launched a large search operation an area of frequent AOG activity and IMF uniforms and arrested two AOG within the city. Reportedly, 71 members during a search operation. escapees have been arrested so far THE ANSO REPORT Page 21

NGO Incidents PAKTIKA Year to Date 0 PAKTIKA 150 This Report Period 0 The substantial jump in the inten- 100 sity of the conflict in Paktika seen trols in the same areas. Finally, last period was sustained at rough- members of the paramilitary Paki- 50 ly the same level during the se- stani Frontier Corps reportedly cond half of April, with both IMF fired a number of rockets at an 0 and AOG operations continuing ANBP CP in the Shkin area, injur- to have a high impact on each ing 2 policemen and, because of other. The Barmal-Gayan border the proximity to the Shkin bazaar, PAKTIKA AOG PAKTIKA Crime zone, which sits across the border seven civilians. In Gayan, two from the South Waziristan territo- IDF attacks were recorded on the cant IMF-ANSF operations within 2 days, all ry of an important AOG com- IMF base in Tilman, while two together killing 28 AOG operatives. AOGs mander, continued to be the pri- ambushes of ANA and IMF pa- were also active, with two hit-and-run attacks mary – although by no means the trols were also recorded, with just in the DAC area, one on an ANP CP and one only – battleground in the prov- one ANA soldier wounded in the on the IMF base there. They also destroyed a ince, with a third of all conflict encounters. telecoms tower in the area, and appeared to be incidents recorded there. Perhaps Across the two districts, IMF also behind the assassination of an influential tribal the most significant incident in conducted several operations, elder and local government official, who was this zone was in fact a failed one; ground and air, almost all focused shot at his door by gunmen on the 28th. a tractor rigged as an SVBIED on their respective DACs. In all, As with last period, the provincial capital con- prematurely detonated in the Tora 14 AOG fighters were killed, 2 tinued to be quiet, with just two incidents – Thangai area of Barmal, killing the injured and 8 arrested. In Urgun, both IMF operations which together detained driver and injuring two other bordering these two restive dis- 6 AOG operatives. And a small number of AOG fighters that were reported- tricts, another attempted suicide other ANSF/IMF-AOG kinetic engagements ly accompanying the vehicle. The attack failed when a BBIED oper- spread across the rest of the province were intended target of the attack is ative’s vest prematurely detonated also recorded, with one notable incident in the unknown, but it demonstrates the in the Chinakha area, killing only death of two AOG fighters in a firefight in Jani clear on-going danger of large the operative. It is thought that Khel. The final incident of note is a salutary suicide attacks on security forces the target was the commander of reminder of the perils of misidentification; in or allied organisations. Also in the new Urgun ALP force, which the Gomal DAC area, an AOG fighter opened Barmal, AOG staged attacks on would fit with recent targeting of fire and killed two of his fellow members of an ANA patrol, killing one soldier, ALP in Kunar and Paktya, as an the armed opposition who were dressed in and two hit-and-run attacks on emerging counterforce to AOGs. ANA uniforms, thinking they were in fact IMF bases in the Margha and Bo- Yahya Khel was also home to an ANA soldiers. ris areas. 4 IDF attacks were also above average share of provincial recorded on IMF bases and pa- conflict reporting, with 3 signifi-

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ANSO: “..by NGOs for NGOs..” THE ANSO REPORT Page 22

NGO Incidents URUZGAN Year to Date 0 URUZGAN This Report Period 0 100 In Uruzgan the level of AOG ini- 80 on 17th April in the Kot Wala tiated incidents was lower com- 60 pared to the previous reporting area, a roadside IED hit a private period. In the past two weeks the- vehicle wounding two civilians. 40 se incidents were mainly concen- Another notable incident related 20 trated in the districts of Tirin Kot to the use of IED was reported in 0 and Char Chino. Nonetheless, Char Chino, Tagaw Area. Also on Dihrawud and Chora also experi- the 17th an IED detonated URUZGAN AOG URUZGAN Crime enced AOG activity. against an ANP vehicle, killing three ANP servicemen and AOG small arms fire. The majority of the at- As noted in previous reports, the tacks were inefficient and AOG withdrew after main threat for NGO activity in wonding two others. AOG initiated direct attacks usually play a a brief fire fight. However, in Char Chino fol- Uruzgan consists of the robust lowing an AOG assault on an IMF convoy, six volume of IEDs. In the last two minor role in the province and in the last fortnight were focused on AOG members were killed in the IMF return weeks more than 50% of all rec- fire. Noteworthy incident took place in Nachin orded IED incidents took place in Tirin Kot, Char Chino and Dih- rawud districts with at least five and Khanaqa Area of Tirin Kot, where an Tirin Kot District, which remains AOG attack on an ANP check post claimed in line with previously observed such occurrences. In Char Chino and Dihrawud these attacks were lives of two civilians killed in the cross-fire and patterns. While the said district injured another four. saw four IED strikes against IMF carried out against IMF patrols, and ANP vehicles, IED fatalities whereas in Tirin Kot it was two occurred on the civilian side when ANP check posts that came under

NGO Incidents GHAZNI Year to Date 0 GHAZNI This Report Period 0 250 In the last fortnight Ghazni saw 200 significantly less incidents as com- trols and to a lesser extent on pared to the previous reporting ANP check points. Nonetheless, 150 period. Although it is difficult to on 17th April in the Chagharu 100 point out the exact reason behind area of Ghazni District a civilian 50 this drop in the overall level of vehicle came under AOG small incident volumes, in particular arms fire which resulted in injury 0 those related to AOG activities, of three passengers. As often in this decrease may be related to the Ghazni, the majority of these en- GHAZNI AOG GHAZNI Crime high level of ANSF/IMF opera- gagements were brief and did not civilians were killed and six others, including tions that had been recorded re- involved casualties from AOG as three women, were wounded after a roadside cently across the province which well as IMF/ANSF sides. As IED struck their vehicle. Three days earlier, on may have affected the AOG chain compared to the high volume of the 18th in Pirakai, Khogyani District, an IED of supply. As well, it is also possi- direct attacks IED deployment strike against an ANP vehicle killed six ANP ble that AOGs are reorganizing remained secondary. However, and injured another two. themselves for the upcoming during this reporting period IED spring operations. Nonetheless, it deployment was extremely effi- One ANP official was also killed in Shah Mir is rather unlikely that this decrease cient and fatal. Among 16 report- Sahab Area of Ghazni, in a well know type of will last for an extended period of ed IED incidents, 9 devices deto- attack, involving an AOG ‘hit team’ riding on a time given the strategic im- nated and resulted in a total of motorcycle. ANSF/IMF activities have report- portance of the province for four civilians, six ANP, and three edly decreased as well during the present cycle AOG activity. PSC guards killed. An additional and were focused on Andar and Ghazni districts. While just a small quantity of weapons In the last two weeks AOG initi- six civilians, two ANP, two IMF soldiers and two PSC guards were and explosive materials was netted, these oper- ated direct attacks again largely ations seemed to affect AOG manpower and outnumbered other types of inci- wounded. In a single incident that occurred on 21st April in Ali Khel resulted in detention of at least 11 suspected dents reported in Ghazni and AOG members. were focused on IMF/ANSF pa- Village of Andar District, three THE ANSO REPORT Page 23

NGO Incidents HELMAND Year to Date 1 HELMAND This Report Period 0 300 Helmand remained volatile, with 250 the highest rate of AOG activity transiting on the Kandahar-Herat 200 recorded among southern prov- Main Road. The attack caused the 150 inces. Whereas in the past two injury of two civilians and the 100 weeks evidence of ANSF/IMF death of both attackers. It is 50 worth noting that for the second operations were rather limited, 0 AOG continued to widely employ consecutive reporting period the hit and run tactic to harass IMF province witnessed suicide attacks HELMAND AOG HELMAND Crime patrols or to attack ANP posts involving two AOG operatives across the province. The hotspots carrying out attacks in a coordi- surrounding the incident are still confusing and for these direct attacks remained nated manner. The previous two- anecdotal reporting indicates the assassination Nad Ali, Nahri Sarraj, Musa Qala fold suicide attack, reported in the was more likely related to other issues rather and Sangin districts. The large last cycle, was conducted in Lash- than a genuine AOG operation. majority of these confrontations kar Gah City in the area of the Governor’s Office. The figures associated with IED deployment were brief and ineffective and did recorded across the province were once again not result in recorded casualties. A high-profile assassination was impressive. In the past two weeks apart from Nonetheless, several prolonged reported from Lashkar Gah City very ‘active’ districts of Nad Ali and Nahri Sar- engagement were reported from when on the 23rd two armed indi- raj, IEDs were extensively deployed in Sangin Nahri Sarraj and Nad Ali districts viduals shot and killed a promi- and Naw Zad districts. The primary AOG tar- indicating an AOG confidence in nent tribal elder and the deputy of gets continues to be IMF/ANSF patrolling their operational capacities to the Peace Council for Helmand vehicles, however this period reported casual- challenge IMF elements in the Province. The victim, who was ties resulting from IED strikes were solely ci- area. Nahri Sarraj District experi- also a former Governor of Marja vilians. For instance, in two separate IED relat- enced its second BBIED attack District, was in the residence of ed incidents occurring in Naw Zad four civil- this year. On 26th April a two- the Head of the Peace Council at ians were killed and another two were wound- fold suicide attack took place the time of the attack. The inves- ed. An additional two civilians were wounded when two BBIEDs attackers deto- tigation is ongoing and ANP re- in Nad Ali when their motorcycle hit a road- nated their devices close to an portedly arrested an individual in side IED. IMF logistic convoy that was relation to the killing. The details

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NGO Incidents ZABUL Year to Date 0 ZABUL 100 This Report Period 0 During the present reporting cy- 80 cle, apart from IED emplacement At least 29 IED related incidents 60 were reported in Zabul, with 16 which made up the majority of 40 incidents recorded in Zabul, an- devices that detonated. The areas 20 other characteristic of the security of concern with regard to the IED environment in the province con- emplacement were in particular 0 sisted of AOG intimidation tac- Shinkay, Qalat, and Shahjoy and Daychopan districts. The vast tics. On 18th April in Qala Khel ZABUL AOG ZABUL Crime Area of Shahjoy District, AOG majority of reported IED strikes shot and killed a former persecu- occurred against IMF patrols; concentrated in Shahjoy, Mizan and Day- tor who had already resigned from however, PSC vehicles remains chopan. However, a notable incident occurred service. Two days later in the another AOG target of choice. in Qalat District, Omaki Area, where AOG same district, but in Ashaq Zo For instance, on 19th April in attacked PSC guards of a road construction village, a civilian was executed Seory Lowyi Shor Area of Shinkay company. A prolonged engagement ensued, over the accusation of spying for District as a result of an IED with ANP units called in for support and the GOA. As was the case in Hel- strike one PSC guard was killed, which resulted in the death of two AOG mem- mand several weeks ago, AOGs whereas two others were wound- bers as well as weapons and military equipment active in Qalat District apparently ed. Noteworthy, on the 26th an seizure. forced private telecommunication IED emplaced under a culvert detonated in Mullah Salam Village In the past two weeks IMF/ANSF activities companies to shut down their were recorded in Shahjoy and Qalat districts. networks from 21st April. causing heavy traffic jam along the main Kandahar-Kabul Highway. Operations conducted in the said districts al- As mentioned, IED deployment lowed the IMF/ANSF to arrest ten AOG remains prevalent throughout the The second major threat across members. In addition, an IMF air strike was province and this reporting period the province is related to direct carried out in Bolan Ghar Area of Shahjoy and it has continued to increase when attacks. In Ghazni these attacks resulted in three AOG members killed and compared to the previous cycle. were focused on hitting such ‘hard four others wounded. targets’ as IMF patrols and were

ANSO Quarterly Report: For those interested in reviewing the first quarter of 2011’s key trends and analysis for both the conflict and NGO incidents, the ANSO 2011 Q1 Report is now available on our website at www.afgnso.org. THE ANSO REPORT Page 25

Statement of the Leadership Council of the Islamic Emirate Regarding the Inception of the Spring...

Saturday, 30 April 2011 02:23 -

Statement of the Leadership Council of the Islamic Emirate Regard- ing the Inception of the Spring Operations.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful Fight in the Cause of Al- lah, those who fight you and do not be aggressive. Allah does not love the transgressors.( S:II V:190)

To the Muslim and Mujahid Nation of Afghanistan!

Today, our sacred Jihad against all foreign invaders in Afghanistan successfully steps up to the thresh- old of its tenth year, with the help of the Almighty Allah ( SwT) and your prideful Jihad and selfless sacrifices. With the approach of the spring, the Leadership Council of the Islamic Emirate of Afghani- stan wants to declare the launching of the spring military operations christened as “Badar” to be waged against the invading Americans and their foreign Allies and internal supports.

For the purpose of success and effectiveness of the operations against the foreign invading forces and their defeated supporters, the following points must be born in mind:

As in the past, the Badar Operations will focus on attacks against military centers, places of gatherings, airbases, ammunition and logistical military convoys of the foreign invaders in all parts of the country.

Throughout the operations, the prior target of Mujahideen’s attacks must remain foreign invading forces, members of their spy networks and ( other) spies, high-ranking officials of the Kabul Puppet Ad- ministration, both military and civilian, members of the cabinet, members of the parliament, Heads of foreign and local companies working for the enemy and contractors.

Since members of the American espionage agencies, government officials of the Puppet Administration and enemies of the Afghan people and Jihad have ensconced themselves in the so-called Peace Coun- cil and are trying to pave the way for the prolongation of the American occupation by cashing in on the name of Jihad, religion and tribal chieftainship,; wants to prevent Mujahideen from waging Jihad against the invaders and are urging the Afghan Mujahid people to accept American slavery and sur- render, therefore, members of the Council can be target of the Mujahideen attacks during the operations as, in view of their role, they are considered official members of the ranks of the enemy. THE ANSO REPORT Page 26

Strict attention must be paid to the protection and safety of civilians during the spring operations by working out a meticulous military plan. Utilizing all proven military tactics, the operations will focus on usage of advanced weapons against the air and ground forces of the invaders, tip-and-run attacks, and group offensives, city attacks, advanced explosives attacks, effective group and martyrdom seek- ing attacks by warrior Mujahideen.

The Spring Operations have been given the name of Badar in a hope that the Almighty Allah (SwT) may bestow on the Mujahideen victorious achievements versus all invading forces in Afghanistan like that which were bestowed on the believers during the historical battle of Badar in the 2nd Hijri lunar year. Some ardent diabolic chiefs of the polytheists were either killed or captured at the hands of the Mujahideen during the confrontation.

Before the launching of the Badar Operations, we call on all officials of the Kabul Administration, military officers, officials of the spy agency and all other employees to cut off their relations with the invaders and their supporters whatsoever, and join the Mujahideen for the cause of defense of the people and their own person.

All Afghan people should bear in mind to keep away from gatherings, convoys and centers of the enemy so that they will not become harmed during attacks of Mujahideen against the enemy or, as usual, the enemy may not avenge itself on them, following the operations of the Mujahideen.

The Spring Operations of Badar have been launched for the purpose of protecting the tenets of Islam and the religion from the claws of the invaders and salvaging the country and people from the foreign colonialism because the foreign invaders have committed unlawful aggression against the sovereignty of our country; have ignited the flames of war in the yard of our house; have destroyed orchards and houses with bombs and bulldozers; have martyred our countrymen and imprisoned them and have desecrated the holiest Divine Book of the Muslims, the Holy Quran. Therefore, the war in our country will not come to an end unless and until the foreign invading forces pull out of Afghanistan and the cause of the war are obliterated. The Islamic Emirate considers this its legitimate right and religious obligation to defend its religion and country. The Jihad of the Islamic Emirate will continue with the help of the Almighty Allah and the support of the Mujahid people until the attainment of this legitimate right.

The Badar Operations will begin throughout Afghanistan on May, the 1st 2011 i.e. 11 Saur Hijri solar year.

Success comes only from Allah, the Almighty.

Leadership Council

Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan THE AFGHANISTAN NGO SAFETY OFFICE - CONTACTS AND INFORMATION

CONTACT ANSO MISSING This report ANSO could not provide analysis for the prov- CENTRAL REGION OFFICE (KABUL) inces of: ANSO is hosted by Tomas Muzik - [email protected] - 0799 323 792 Deutsche Welthungerhilfe Mukhtar - [email protected] - 0799 322 116 Samangan Daykundi NORTH REGION OFFICE (MAZAR) Bamyan Brian Laguardia - [email protected] - 0799 404 617 Nimroz To Register with ANSO Firoz - [email protected] - 0799 408 252 contact: This is because we [email protected] EAST REGION OFFICE (JALALABAD) do not know enough Rory Brown - [email protected] - 0799 248 362 about the area to Shohar - [email protected] - 0798 778 014 comment on the sig- ANSO is managed by an NGO nificance of the inci- Board. If you have any SOUTH REGION OFFICE (KANDAHAR) dents occurring feedback, good or bad, let Vacant - [email protected] 0796 688 416 there. them know on: Noori - [email protected] - 0700 492 550 [email protected] If you can help us ANSO ACRONYMS WEST REGION OFFICE (HERAT) understand the prov- Rachel Adam - [email protected] - 0799 322 192 ince better, please ACG-Armed Criminal Group / Sayed Karim- [email protected] - 0707 474 135 contact us. AEF-Afghan Eradication Forces / ANA-Afghan National Army / ANBP-Afghan National Border COUNTRY MANAGEMENT (KABUL) Police / ANP-Afghan National Nic Lee - [email protected] - 0799 325 349 Police / AOG-Armed Opposition Group / APPF-Afghan Public Nathan Ronaldson - [email protected] - 0797 165 017 Protection Forces (local depu- Patrick Malach - [email protected] - 0793 230 118 tised militias) / DC-District Centre / GOA-Government of Afghanistan / IDF-Indirect Fire (ex: mortars) / IED-Improvised Explosive Device / IMF- International Military Forces / NDS-National Directorate of VACANCIES Security (Intelligence) / PRP- Previous Reporting Period / PSC-Private Security Company ANSO is in search of experienced NGO staff to fill its South RSA position. If / RPG-Rocket Propelled Gre- nade / SAF-Small Arms Fire / you have NGO experience, an analytical background, and the desire to be chal- VBIED-Vehicle Borne Impro- vised Explosive Device / PDO- lenged, all while being part of a close-knit team, pass your CV, a cover letter, Private Development Organisa- and 2 substantive writing samples to Mr. Nathan Ronaldson at operation / ALP-Afghan Local Police / LDI-Local Defence Initiative / [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the 1st of June 2011. IEA-Islamic Emirate of Afghani- stan (Taliban) / PSG-Provincial Shadow Governor (IEA) / DSG- District Shadow Governor (IEA)